Perpetual import Bright Akhuetie goes for a slam during their game against College of St. Benilde. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net
Bright Akhuetie was definitely the brightest spot for Perpetual as the Nigerian big man anchored Perpetual to a 77-69 victory over St. Benilde Friday in NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tourney at the Arena in San Juan.
Akhuetie recorded 44 points and 19 rebounds to help the Altas gain the early leadership in the tourney.
“Wala na akong masasabi sa kanya,” said coach Aric del Rosario. “Sabi ko sa kanya, kailangan ko manalo ngayon, kailangan ko magtrabaho ka. Sinunod naman n’ya at nagtrabaho talaga.”
(I am speechless for his efforts today. I told him we needed to win and I needed him to work. He followed and he really worked for it.)
The veteran coach motivated his 6-foot-8 big man to take over as Perpetual missed the services of Prince Eze, who was suspended for throwing an elbow in their win against Lyceum.
READ: Altas clobber Pirates; Knights whip Blazers
Reigning NCAA MVP Earl Thompson also made his presence felt, tallying a triple-double with 14 markers, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Perpetual win.
Jeffrey Ongteco led St. Benilde with 23 points, as the Blazers fell to 0-2. IDL
The Scores:
PERPETUAL 77 – Akhuetie 44, Thompson 14, Coronel 8, Oliveria 4, Ylagan 4, Dagangon 3, Dizon 0, Tamayo 0, Gallardo 0, Sadiwa 0, Elopre 0, Cabiltes 0, Pido 0
ST. BENILDE 69 – Ongtenco 23, Grey 18, Jonson 9, Domingo 9, Fajarito 3, Nayve 2, Castor 2, Saavedra 1, Sta. Maria 0
Quarters: 17-11, 40-28, 55-48, 77-69